Rewrite Expressions to Reveal Meaning, Costs

Start with expanding, then factoring and area models. Move to adding and subtracting, then use the equivalence checks and the two planning tasks as a review.

Write two equivalent cost expressions, from four movie tickets and a $3 snack to a jacket 20% off. The directions on the page read: Write two equivalent expressions for each situation. Beside each one, write in a few words what that form shows. Answers can be in either order. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade algebra, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Use the distributive property to remove parentheses, as in 3(x + 4) = 3x + 12. Expand Linear Expressions With Negative Factors and Expand With Fractional and Decimal Coefficients practice this.

Write the greatest common factor on the left and each matching side on top. Factor Using Area Models, Integer Terms has the rectangle drawn, and Build Area Models to Factor has students draw it.

Expand or simplify both and compare them, or test the same value in each. Check Two Factorizations for Equivalence and Identify Equivalent Expressions by Substitution both practice this.

Add the opposite of each term in the second expression, then combine like terms. Subtract Linear Expressions Using Opposites shows both steps on separate lines.